Green Funeral Options UK
What are green funeral options in the UK?
Green funerals minimize environmental impact, costing £1,500-£4,000. Options: woodland/natural burial (£1,500-£3,000) with biodegradable coffin and tree, direct cremation with eco elements (£995-£1,600), or traditional burial with green choices (£2,500-£4,000). Use biodegradable coffins (wicker, bamboo, cardboard), no embalming, 270+ natural burial grounds UK-wide. Lower carbon footprint.
- Cost: £1,500-£4,000 (vs £4,000-£6,000 traditional)
- Woodland burial: £1,500-£3,000, tree planted, biodegradable coffin
- Direct cremation: £995-£1,600, simple cardboard coffin
- Key elements: No embalming, biodegradable materials, natural sites
- Carbon savings: 0.5 tonnes CO₂ vs 0.8 tonnes traditional burial
- UK sites: 270+ natural burial grounds nationwide
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Green funerals, also called eco-funerals or natural funerals, are environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional burials and cremations. They minimize environmental impact through biodegradable materials, reduced emissions, and natural burial sites. This guide covers everything you need to know about planning a green funeral in the UK.
What is a green funeral?
A green funeral is designed to have minimal environmental impact. Key features include:
- Biodegradable coffins made from materials like wicker, cardboard, or bamboo
- No embalming with toxic chemicals
- Natural burial grounds instead of traditional cemeteries
- Trees or wildflowers planted instead of headstones
- Avoiding harmful materials like plastics and treated wood
- Reducing carbon emissions from transport and cremation
Types of green funeral options
Natural burial (woodland burial)
Burial in a natural setting like woodland or meadow using biodegradable coffins. The site is maintained as a nature conservation area.
- Cost: £1,500-£3,500 (plot and burial)
- Environmental impact: Very low, actively supports conservation
- Memorial: Tree planting or natural markers
Green cremation (traditional)
Standard cremation but using biodegradable coffin and avoiding embalming chemicals. More emissions than burial but still eco-conscious.
- Cost: £1,800-£3,000
- Environmental impact: Moderate (CO2 emissions from cremation)
- Memorial: Ashes can be scattered in natural settings
Resomation (water cremation)
Also called alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation. Uses water and potassium hydroxide instead of flames. 90% less emissions than cremation.
- Cost: £1,800-£2,500
- Environmental impact: Very low carbon footprint
- Availability: Limited facilities in UK (growing)
Cost comparison: green vs traditional funerals
| Funeral type | Average cost | Key savings |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional burial | £4,000-£8,000+ | Expensive plot, headstone |
| Natural burial | £1,500-£3,500 | Cheaper plot, no headstone |
| Traditional cremation | £3,000-£5,000 | Service, coffin, fees |
| Green cremation | £1,800-£3,000 | Simpler service, eco coffin |
Environmental benefits
Green funerals significantly reduce environmental impact:
- Carbon emissions: Natural burial produces virtually no emissions; resomation uses 90% less energy than cremation
- Chemical pollution: No formaldehyde or other toxic embalming chemicals entering soil
- Land use: Natural burial sites double as wildlife habitats and conservation areas
- Materials: Biodegradable coffins decompose naturally without pollutants
- Resource conservation: Less hardwood, metal, concrete, and other non-renewable materials
Carbon footprint
A traditional cremation produces approximately 400kg of CO2. Natural burial produces virtually zero emissions, while resomation produces just 40kg.
Over time, natural burial sites actually become carbon sinks as trees and plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
Legal requirements
Green funerals must follow the same legal requirements as traditional funerals:
- Death must be registered and certificate obtained
- Burial authority permission required for burial sites
- Burial must be in approved natural burial ground or cemetery
- Depth requirements (typically 1 metre minimum)
- Environmental Agency regulations for burial sites
- No embalming required by UK law (optional for viewings)
How to arrange a green funeral
Planning your green funeral
- Decide which type of green funeral (natural burial, resomation, etc.)
- Find natural burial ground or green funeral provider
- Select biodegradable coffin or shroud
- Confirm no embalming chemicals will be used
- Plan eco-friendly service and memorial (tree planting, etc.)
Pros and cons of green funerals
Advantages
- ✓Minimal environmental impact and carbon footprint
- ✓Usually less expensive than traditional funerals
- ✓Creates lasting natural habitats and conservation areas
- ✓No toxic chemicals polluting soil or water
- ✓Beautiful natural settings for services
- ✓Living memorial (trees) instead of stone monuments
Considerations
- •Natural burial sites may be remote or limited in your area
- •Resomation facilities are not yet widely available in UK
- •No permanent headstone (may not suit all families)
- •Some restrictions on memorial items and decorations
- •Natural burial sites may change appearance over time
- •May not align with some religious or cultural traditions
Who offers green funeral services
Many providers now offer green funeral options:
- Natural burial grounds: Over 270 sites across the UK (search via Natural Death Centre or Association of Natural Burial Grounds)
- Green funeral directors: Specialists in eco-friendly funerals (e.g., Green Fuse, Poppy's, Greener Endings)
- Traditional funeral directors: Most now offer green funeral packages
- Resomation facilities: Co-op Funeralcare offers water cremation at select locations
- Direct providers: Pure Cremation and similar services with eco-friendly options
Frequently asked questions
Can I still have a funeral service with a green funeral?
Yes, absolutely. You can have a full funeral service at the natural burial ground, a separate venue, or at home. Many natural burial sites have outdoor areas for ceremonies.
Are green funerals accepted by all religions?
Most religions permit green burials. Jewish and Muslim faiths traditionally favour simple burials without embalming, which aligns well. Check with your religious leader if you have specific requirements.
Can I visit a natural burial site?
Yes, most natural burial grounds welcome visitors. However, they may not have individual marked graves - trees or GPS coordinates help locate specific plots. Some sites have general memorial areas.
What about flowers at a green funeral?
Fresh, locally-grown flowers are usually welcome. Avoid plastic wrapping, oasis foam, or imported flowers. Many families opt for wildflower seed packets as alternatives to cut flowers.
How do I find a natural burial ground near me?
The Natural Death Centre maintains a directory of natural burial grounds across the UK. The Association of Natural Burial Grounds also has a searchable map of certified sites.
Can I pre-plan and pre-pay for a green funeral?
Yes, many green funeral providers offer pre-paid plans. Some natural burial grounds allow you to purchase plots in advance. This guarantees current prices and ensures your wishes are followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a green funeral cost in the UK?
Green funerals cost £1,500-£4,000 depending on options chosen. Natural burial (woodland burial) costs £1,500-£3,500, green cremation costs £1,800-£3,000, and resomation (water cremation) costs £1,800-£2,500. This is significantly less than traditional funerals (£4,000-£8,000+) because you avoid expensive plots, embalming, and elaborate coffins.
What is the most environmentally friendly funeral option?
Natural burial (woodland burial) is the most eco-friendly option, producing virtually zero emissions and actively supporting conservation as burial sites double as wildlife habitats. Resomation (water cremation) is second-best with 90% less emissions than traditional cremation (40kg CO2 vs 400kg). Both avoid toxic chemicals and use biodegradable materials.
Are green funerals legal in the UK?
Yes, green funerals are completely legal and follow the same regulations as traditional funerals. You must register the death, obtain burial authority permission, use approved natural burial grounds, meet depth requirements (typically 1 metre minimum), and follow Environmental Agency regulations. No embalming is required by UK law - it's always optional.
Can I have a funeral service with a green burial?
Yes, you can have a full funeral service with green burial. Many natural burial sites have outdoor ceremony areas. You can hold the service at the burial ground, a separate venue, or at home. The service can be religious or non-religious, formal or informal - green burial focuses on environmental impact, not restricting how you commemorate.
What happens to the body in a natural burial?
In natural burial, the body is placed in a biodegradable coffin (wicker, cardboard, bamboo) or shroud and buried in a natural setting. The body and coffin naturally decompose, returning nutrients to the soil. No toxic chemicals from embalming enter the ground. A tree or wildflowers are often planted instead of a headstone, creating a living memorial and wildlife habitat.
Where can I find natural burial grounds near me?
The Natural Death Centre maintains a directory of over 270 natural burial sites across the UK at naturaldeath.org.uk. The Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG) also has a searchable map of certified sites at anbg.co.uk. Most funeral directors can recommend local natural burial grounds and arrange green funerals.
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